Transportation of polluting materials
Control Measure Knowledge
There are strict controls on transporting hazardous waste. Fire and rescue services do have dispensation in exceptional, life-saving circumstances. For more information refer to:
- Foundation for environmental protection – The movement of hazardous waste by the fire and rescue services in emergencies
- Foundation for environmental protection – Legal defences: Pollution
If emergency transportation of hazardous waste is required, the relevant environmental agency should be informed as soon as possible. The environmental agency should also be involved in the decision made by the fire and rescue service to transport it.
Fire and rescue services are allowed to transport and store small quantities of non-hazardous waste from incidents; an appropriate option may be to register as a lower tier waste carrier. This activity should be supported by service procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable gloves or chemical protection suits. For more information refer to Foundation for environmental protection – The movement and storage of non-hazardous waste.